15 Percent Property-tax Hike Proposed In Op

OAKLAND PARK -- A $22 million budget that would raise city property taxes by 15 percent has been submitted to the City Council by City Manager J. Scott Miller.

Miller`s proposed 1987-88 budget is slightly more than $2 million higher than the $19.8 million budget approved by the council last year.

The budget calls for a 4 percent employee salary hike, continued drainage improvements, road resurfacing and city building renovations, Miller said.

``I know it`s heavy,`` Miller said. ``I know it`s high.``

But if the city wants to progress and make improvements, Miller said, ``this is the budget that will do it.``

One factor contributing to the tax increase is the fact that Oakland Park had to pay $425,000 last year after losing two lawsuits, Miller said.

Mayor H. Keneth Powell said he plans to examine the budget closely before deciding whether to recommend where possible cuts could be made.

``I would like to see it dropped down a little bit if we can,`` he said.

Vice Mayor Caryl Stevens said she is concerned about the tax increase and will be looking for areas where expenses can be cut.

Stevens also said she was disappointed by the budget, saying she had hoped it would include funds to create an after-school program in the city`s three elementary schools.

``I`m concerned,`` said Stevens. ``I just think it`s going to be a very difficult budget session.``

But Miller said the budget reflects a ``fair`` effort to meet the challenge of controlling resources while providing the best possible services.

If Miller`s budget is adopted, residents would pay $3.81 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The current tax rate is $3.38 per $1,000.

Under the proposed tax rate, city property taxes on a home assessed at $75,000 -- with a $25,000 homestead exemption -- would be $191, an increase of $22. Residents also pay taxes to other agencies, such as the county and schools.

According to budget figures, most department budgets would increase next year. The proposed hikes range from 1 percent for engineering to 14 percent for the city manager`s office.

The Public Safety Department, which encompasses police, fire and emergency medical services, is slated to receive an additional $574,000.

The hikes are because of personnel and benefit costs, but appropriations also increased significantly for vehicle operation and maintenance.

The council has budget workshop meetings scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., but no public hearing date has been set.